Purpose

Still, God, you are our Father. We’re the clay and you’re our potter: All of us are what you made us. ~ Isaiah 64:8 (MSG)

Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. ~ Ephesians 2:10 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God created us so we could share in his good work.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for including us. I feel honored even though I too quickly give in to the desire to make everything about my purposes. I even try to recruit you to work for me! Forgive me for being so pathetic and stir within me the sense of divine purpose that will move me forward according to your will. Amen.

God's glory

The 8th Sunday after Pentecost

The Commander of Heaven’s Army is peerless and awesome, peerless and awesome, peerless and awesome. His glory is so extensive that it blankets the entire earth. ~ Isaiah 6:3 (ABP)

Praise be to God! He is the most powerful ruler and he's taken control of his realm. The universal empire belongs to him so let us celebrate his enthronement and gush with the glory he deserves. ~ Revelation 19:6-7 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Honor God by pouring on the glory. There is no way that you can over do it for him.

PRAYER:

Almigthy God, you are worthy of all recognition -- all glory and honor. Forgive me for failing to properly acknowledge you. Help me to catch the glory wave that pulsates throughout the entire creation so that I can join in the movement to honor you with my life and my words. Amen.

Powerful God

Everyone, both far and near, come look at what I have done. See my mighty power! ~ Isaiah 33:13 (CEV)

Since God did not hold back on us, but gave up his very Son for us, how can you think that he would turn stingy in lesser matters? ~ Romans 8:32 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Consider the great things that God has done for you and let that realization change who you trust and what you trust God to do.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for sending your Son into the world to free us from bondage to evil. You have used your power to set us free! How is it, then, that I live as though you are powerless. I let fear take over and re-capture me. Help me to trust you so that I can let go of the fear. Amen.

No enemies

When we please the Lord, even our enemies make friends with us. ~ Proverbs 16:7 (CEV)

But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. ~ Luke 6:35 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Don't write anyone off as an enemy for when the Lord is involved, there is hope.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being here for us. I get discouraged because there are so many enemies out there -- people who want to harm us or take advantage of us. I'm sorry for letting fear define how I relate to people. Show me some practical ways to love our enemies. I'm looking forward to the development of new friends. In Jesus' name, Amen.